5 Simple Healthy Snacks for Summer

These 5 simple and healthy snacks are perfect for summer. You'll find a mix of both grab-and-go and quick assembly options to help make summer snacking easy no matter what you're schedule is like.

When it comes to snacking, the key is to view a snack as a mini-meal or a way to get in extra nourishment. A snack should help bridge the gap between your main meals so that you don't end up overly hungry and make a spur of the moment choice to eat whatever is in sight.

Healthy snacks are nutrient-dense, real foods. They shouldn’t be loaded with sugar or ingredients you can't pronounce. Your best options are ones that have protein, healthy fat and fiber. This will help keep you satisfied, stabilize your blood sugar and give you the sustained energy you need.

I've rounded up 5 simple, healthy snacks for summer. No matter your schedule, there are options for you. Toss them in your purse or take them with you to the pool, on a hike or just keep them in the fridge or pantry for an easy snack throughout the week. These 5 suggestions are simple but both nourishing a delicious. I hope you give them a try!

5 Simple Healthy Snacks for Summer

1. Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers :

Simple Mills made snacking on their Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers easier by making individual grab-and-go packs. These crackers are made with real food ingredients and have a short ingredient list. Compared to other crackers, they are lower in carbs while having a good amount of protein and healthy fat. This helps keep your blood sugar stable and feel satisfied longer.

These Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Cracker packs are perfect for taking with you while out and about or keeping on hand for when hunger strikes (I'm known to have a stash in my glove box!). Enjoy snacking straight out of the bag for a balanced snack or plan ahead an pair with your favorite dip or spread. You can't go wrong with hummus, almond butter or guac. Make sure to stock up this summer on these Simple Mills Fine Ground Sea Salt Almond Flour Cracker packs which are now available at your local Whole Foods!

These bites are a nutrient-dense source of energy from healthy fats and protein. Unlike most energy bites, these are made without any grains and only one date which is completely optional. (Recipe here)

While collagen is not plant-based or a complete protein, it does have numerous health benefits (post coming soon!). It's also an easy way to increase your protein intake without compromising taste and texture which is the case with other protein powders. These are best kept in the fridge but can definitely be transported in an airtight container for on-the-go snacking.

3. Avocado Jicama "Toasts"

Aa modern take on your basic avocado toast. Jicama is used as the base for the avocado instead of bread. While there is nothing wrong with bread or carbohydrates (we need them!) this non-traditional toast is a fun summer option. The jicama is cool and crunchy, which pairs perfectly with creamy avocado. A little lemon juice, salt, pepper and chili flakes are all you need but feel free to add whatever other toppings you'd like.

Avocado Jicama "Toast"

Ingredients:

1 small jicama

1/2 avocado

1/2 lemon

salt and pepper

chili flakes

Instructions:

Wash the jicama. Take off the outer skin with a sharp vegetable peeler. You can also you a sharp knife to cut off the skin but you'll lose more of the edible center.

Using a shape knife or mandolin, carefully slice into thin 1/4 inch slices. Top two center slices with avocado. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon, salt, pepper and chili flakes.

4. Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Dates are natures candy and they are even better when stuffed with peanut butter. This sweet and salty combination is a balanced blend of carbohydrates and healthy fats. The dates provide quick energy and fiber while the peanut butter helps balance out your blood sugar and keep you satisfied. Try one of these simple bites next time you have a sweet craving or need a burst of energy before hitting the gym. (Find the instructions on Instagram)

5. Tomato Cucumber Salad with Hemp Seeds

Mid-summer ripe tomatoes and cooling cucumbers are the perfect refreshing summer veggie combo. Make this pair a satisfying snack by topping them with a little balsamic vinegar, olive oil and hemp seeds. This salad tastes wonderful at room temperature, making it perfect for taking to the pool or other outdoor adventure. You can even double or triple the batch to bring to a picnic or barbecue.

Tomato Cucumber Salad with Hemp Seeds

Ingredients:

1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped cucumber

1-2 tablespoons hemp seeds

2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoons olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Toss all ingredients in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. You can double or triple the batch and store in an airtight container in the fridge for a week.

Make sure to follow Nourished by Nutrition on Facebook, and Instagram. If you make this recipe tag #nourishedbynutriton so I can see what you have made and feature you!

﻿This post was created in partnership with Simple Mills. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own. Thank you so much for supporting the sponsors that keep Nourished by Nutrition going!